Cameroonian Opposition Leader to Face Legal Action Concerning Electoral Turmoil, Government Declares
The nation's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has declared that opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary will undergo legal proceedings over claims that he instigated "aggressive post-election demonstrations".
At least 4 protesters have been fatally wounded during clashes between security forces and demonstrators since the electoral process on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 obtaining an eighth consecutive term.
Issa Tchiroma maintains that he was the true winner, a assertion rejected by the incumbent party, the ruling CPDM.
Forceful measures by security personnel on demonstrators have worried the international community, with the United Nations, African Union and European Union demanding moderation.
Minister's Accusations
Earlier this week, Nji accused the opposition figure of organising what he referred to as "illegal" protests leading to the loss of lives, and also criticised him for declaring victory in the presidential race.
He noted that the opposition leader's "associates behind an insurrectionary plan" will also undergo judicial processes.
Election Results
Paul Biya, who assumed office in 1982 and is now the world's oldest head of state, secured the 12 October presidential election with a majority of the vote, compared to 35.2% for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.
Challenger's Position
Tchiroma Bakary is remains silent to the authorities' move to bring him to court, but he had earlier announced that he refused to acknowledge a stolen vote - and that he was fearless of being taken into custody.
When results were announced, he said that armed men opened fire on demonstrators assembled near his home in the city of Garoua, fatally wounding at least two people.
Inquiry Announced
On Tuesday, the government official disclosed that an investigation would be launched into violent incidents before and after the announcement of the vote outcome.
"In the course of these incidents, some of the individuals involved died," he said, without offering a specific number of protesters who have been fatally injured in the clashes.
The minister noted that multiple officers of the police and military also sustained major harm.
Ongoing Circumstances
Although the interior minister insisted the condition throughout Cameroon was now manageable, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the nation, especially in Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators set up obstructions on that day, and burnt tires on the roads.
Experts warn that the election-related unrest could plunge the nation into a political crisis.